In an unusual case, the family of a 33-year-old man in Pakistan has sought "stern" punishment for him for committing blasphemy.
The alleged blasphemer, who has not been named by the police, was brought to a Karachi police station forcefully by his uncle and other family members who
are adamant that he must be punished.

"He is accused of desecrating the Holy Quran, and family members claimed he had been involved in similar incidents earlier as well," a police officer at Taimuria police station said.

According to the family members, the accused, a labourer, committed the act at his home on Friday. They said he had committed such acts in the past also despite being mentally stable.

"He has insulted our religion and anyone doing that should be sternly dealt with," Qalandar Buksh, the complainant and the uncle of the accused, said.

"We had warned him not to do it again, but this time we don't want him spared at all as he has insulted our religion," Baksh said.

The accused was produced in the court yesterday where a magistrate has sent him to judicial remand till October 22. If found guilty, he can be sentenced to life imprisonment.

The controversial blasphemy law has been the subject of much discussion in Pakistan since its promulgation during the era of military dictator, General Zia ul Haq.

Leading religious scholars have expressed concern that the law is being used by people to settle personal scores and other disputes.